Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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Pigeons fly near a prototype section of a U.S.-Mexico border wall in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

Pigeons fly near a prototype section of a U.S.-Mexico border wall in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A U.S. Border Patrol agent sits on a horse in front of a U.S.-Mexico border wall prototype in San Diego on Oct. 30. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Daniel Acker

A U.S. Border Patrol agent sits on a horse in front of a U.S.-Mexico border wall prototype in San Diego on Oct. 30. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Daniel Acker

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

Prototype U.S.-Mexico border walls stand in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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U.S. Border Patrol agents walks near a prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

U.S. Border Patrol agents walks near a prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to carry out one of his more prominent campaign promises: to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. In October, signs of progress emerged—a handful of 30-foot-tall prototypes at a construction site near San Diego. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg less

A prototype U.S.-Mexico border wall stands in this aerial photograph taken over San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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President Donald Trump speaks during a tour as he reviews border wall prototypes, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego, as Rodney Scott, the Border Patrol's San Diego sector chief, listens. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) less

President Donald Trump speaks during a tour as he reviews border wall prototypes, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego, as Rodney Scott, the Border Patrol's San Diego sector chief, listens. (AP Photo/Evan ... more

Photo: Evan Vucci, Associated Press

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US President Donald Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump arrives to speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images

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US President Donald Trump speaks to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump speaks to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images

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US Marines listen to US President Donald Trump speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

US Marines listen to US President Donald Trump speak to military personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

A supporter of President Donald Trump put up a sign on her car during a rally for a scheduled upcoming visit by Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

A supporter of President Donald Trump put up a sign on her car during a rally for a scheduled upcoming visit by Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Photo: Kyusung Gong, Associated Press

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Supporters of President Trump gather for a rally Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Supporters of President Trump gather for a rally Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Photo: Kyusung Gong, Associated Press

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A banner calling on US President Donald Trump for help to save Brown field airport outside the airprt ahead of his visit to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images less

A banner calling on US President Donald Trump for help to save Brown field airport outside the airprt ahead of his visit to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California on March 13, 2018. / AFP ... more

Photo: MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images

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Roberto Perez Garcia of Mexico participates in a rally against the border wall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes in the United States, which can be seen from where the protesters are gathering on the Mexico side. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) less

Roberto Perez Garcia of Mexico participates in a rally against the border wall on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes in the ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull, Associated Press

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A couple stand on a rooftop on the Mexico side to look over to the U.S. side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes which can be seen in the background behind the wall. less

A couple stand on a rooftop on the Mexico side to look over to the U.S. side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull, AP

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Members of a migrants rights group carry a pinata with the face of President Trump on it during an anti-border wall rally on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes in the United States, which can be seen from where the protesters are gathering on the Mexico side. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) less

Members of a migrants rights group carry a pinata with the face of President Trump on it during an anti-border wall rally on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull, Associated Press

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Lauren Rees holds up a sign during a rally against a upcoming scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. Protesters chanted, “No ban! No wall!” near the San Ysidro border crossing, where tens of thousands of people enter the U.S. daily from Tijuana, Mexico, many on their way to work or school in San Diego. less

Lauren Rees holds up a sign during a rally against a upcoming scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. Protesters chanted, “No ban! No wall!” near the San Ysidro ... more

Photo: Kyusung Gong, AP

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A journalist peers through a hole in the current border wall on the Mexico side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes which are on the U.S. side of the wall. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) less

A journalist peers through a hole in the current border wall on the Mexico side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull, Associated Press

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FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2017, file, workers pour concrete on to one of the elevated sections of the high-speed rail that will cross over the San Joaquin River, near Fresno, Calif. California Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday, March 12, 2018, invited President Donald Trump to visit the state's high-speed rail construction projects while he is in the state this week to examine prototypes of the wall he wants to build along the U.S.-Mexico border. less

FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2017, file, workers pour concrete on to one of the elevated sections of the high-speed rail that will cross over the San Joaquin River, near Fresno, Calif. California Gov. Jerry Brown on ... more

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, AP

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FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2017 file photo, is one of the elevated sections of the high-speed rail under construction in Fresno, Calif. California Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday, March 12, 2018, invited President Donald Trump to visit the state's high-speed rail construction projects while he is in the state this week to examine prototypes of the wall he wants to build along the U.S.-Mexico border. less

FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2017 file photo, is one of the elevated sections of the high-speed rail under construction in Fresno, Calif. California Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday, March 12, 2018, invited President ... more

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, AP

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Mexican federal police officers stand guard on the Mexico side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes which can be seen in the background behind the wall. less

Mexican federal police officers stand guard on the Mexico side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes which ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull, AP

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Mexican federal police officers stand guard on the Mexico side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes which can be seen in the background behind the wall. less

Mexican federal police officers stand guard on the Mexico side of the border on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes which ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull, AP

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President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for a trip to California to view border wall prototypes, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday and said he would nominate CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him, in a major staff reshuffle just as Trump dives into high-stakes talks with North Korea. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) less

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for a trip to California to view border wall prototypes, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on ... more

Photo: Evan Vucci, Associated Press

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A supporter of President Donald Trump walks by during a rally for the President's visit Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. Trump on Tuesday eagerly inspected prototypes on display in California for his "big beautiful border wall" amid peaceful protests but growing tensions between his administration and the state over immigration enforcement. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong) less

A supporter of President Donald Trump walks by during a rally for the President's visit Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in San Diego. Trump on Tuesday eagerly inspected prototypes on display in California for his "big ... more

Photo: Kyusung Gong, Associated Press

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City workers place barricades in the center of the street in front of the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles in preparation for President Donald Trump visit on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) less

City workers place barricades in the center of the street in front of the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles in preparation for President Donald Trump visit on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. (AP ... more

Photo: Richard Vogel, Associated Press

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Los Angeles police department officers on horseback shut down a street in front of the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles in preparation for President Donald Trump visit on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) less

Los Angeles police department officers on horseback shut down a street in front of the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles in preparation for President Donald Trump visit on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. ... more

President Donald Trump speaks at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in San Diego, Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

President Donald Trump speaks at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in San Diego, Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Photo: Alex Gallardo, AP

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A man records with his phone as he stands on the roof of a home looking out to the border wall prototypes on the U.S. side in San Diego Tuesday, March 13, 2018, from Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is scheduled to visit the site of the border wall prototypes which can be seen in the background behind the wall. less

A man records with his phone as he stands on the roof of a home looking out to the border wall prototypes on the U.S. side in San Diego Tuesday, March 13, 2018, from Tijuana, Mexico. President Trump is ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull, AP

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Protesters hold up signs during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Protesters hold up signs during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Photo: Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP

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A youngster plays with flags while waiting for President Donald Trump to speak at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in San Diego, Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

A youngster plays with flags while waiting for President Donald Trump to speak at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in San Diego, Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Photo: Alex Gallardo, AP

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A serviceman holds up a flag waiting for President Donald Trump to speak at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in San Diego, Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

A serviceman holds up a flag waiting for President Donald Trump to speak at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in San Diego, Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Photo: Alex Gallardo, AP

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Protesters hold up signs during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Trump is spending his evening in Southern California at a high-dollar fundraiser hosted by the co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent the afternoon in San Diego touring prototypes for his stalled border wall. less

Protesters hold up signs during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Trump is spending his evening in Southern California at a ... more

Photo: Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP

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Protesters hold up signs during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Trump is spending his evening in Southern California at a high-dollar fundraiser hosted by the co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent the afternoon in San Diego touring prototypes for his stalled border wall. less

Protesters hold up signs during a rally against a scheduled visit by President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Trump is spending his evening in Southern California at a ... more

Photo: Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP

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Trump views designs for border wall while bashing California

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SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday eagerly inspected eight towering prototypes for his long-sought wall at the U.S.-Mexico border and accused California of putting "the entire nation at risk" by refusing to take tough action against illegal immigration.

Trump, making his first trip to California as president, said he preferred a fully concrete wall because it was the hardest to climb, but he noted that it needed to be see-through. He said the first thing he noticed on the drive to the border was the patched-up holes in part of the existing fence.

"We have a lousy wall over here now, but at least it stops 90, 95 percent," Trump said. "When we put up the real wall, we're going to stop 99 percent. Maybe more than that."

Trump's visit was greeted with peaceful protests by demonstrators both for and against his planned wall. The trip came amid an escalating battle between his administration and the liberal state, which has refused to help federal agents detain immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

The president renewed his criticism of Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, saying Tuesday that he was presiding over sky-high tax rates and that the state's sanctuary policies "put the entire nation at risk."

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President Donald Trump used his first appearance in California as president on Tuesday to denounce the liberal state for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, saying the policy is the “best friend” of criminals. (March 13)

Media: Associated Press

"They're the best friend of the criminal," Trump said. "That's what exactly is happening. The criminals take refuge in these sanctuary cities and it's very dangerous for our police and enforcement folks."

The Justice Department last week sued to block a trio of California laws designed to protect people living in the U.S. illegally. Brown accused U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions of "going to war" with California to appease Trump.

After leaving the border, Trump basked in the cheers of U.S. Marines in Miramar, pointing to his work to build up the nation's military. He also suggested there may someday be a "space force" fighting alongside the nation's military branches.

Referencing his 2016 campaign showdown against Hillary Clinton — she received 4 million more votes than Trump in California — the president vowed that "very soon we're going to Mars" and the nation would not be seeking to explore the red planet had his opponent won.

Trump later attended a high-dollar fundraiser near Los Angeles, where he was staying overnight. Guests paid up to $250,000 to attend the event at the Beverly Hills home of Ed Glazer, co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The money raised will go to a joint fundraising committee that benefits Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee.

A few hundred protesters for and against Trump faced off at a Beverly Hills park. A group of pro-immigration demonstrators chanted, "Say it now, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here."

Demonstrations were also held at the San Ysidro port of entry in San Diego, the nation's busiest border crossing, where protesters chanted, "No ban! No wall!" as honking cars and buses cheered them on. Protests were also held on the Mexican side, in Tijuana.

At San Ysidro, Jose Gonzalez, 21, stopped to snap a photo of the protesters holding signs, including one that read: "Wall off Putin!" in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has a seemingly close relationship with Trump.

"I don't think it's really fair how he has the choice to separate us," said Gonzalez, a dual citizen who lives in Tijuana and crosses the border daily to work at a San Diego ramen restaurant.

Army veteran Mark Prieto, 48, shook his head as he walked by the protest.

"People are so narrow-minded," the Riverside firefighter said as the crowd chanted. "Finally we have someone who is putting America first."

His wife, Corina Prieto, a nurse who has extended family in Mexico, agreed. Both voted for Trump.

"I think he is doing a lot of good, like protecting our Border Patrol," she said.

Carla Provost, acting Border Patrol chief, said Trump "walked away with great understanding of the requirements we have on the border." She and other agents briefed the president on beefed-up security in California, Arizona and Texas over the years and cautioned that any changes need to preserve the ability to see what's happening on the other side. Provost said Congress has so far funded 40 miles of replacement wall — 14 miles in San Diego, 2 miles in Calexico, California, and 24 miles in El Paso, Texas.

Trump is seeking $25 billion from Congress to extend the wall but Democratic leaders have balked. His insistence that Mexico pay has gotten no traction.

San Diego's Republican mayor criticized Trump's short visit, saying the president wouldn't get a full picture of the city. Kevin Faulconer said a popular cross-border airport terminal connecting San Diego and Tijuana shows that "building bridges has worked wonders."

Faulconer, writing in The San Diego Union-Tribune, also said San Diego police work to protect everyone regardless of immigration status, an apparent dig at Trump's push to target illegal immigration.

Trump tweeted about California's immigration policies as he flew to the state aboard Air Force One.

"California's sanctuary policies are illegal and unconstitutional and put the safety and security of our entire nation at risk. Thousands of dangerous & violent criminal aliens are released as a result of sanctuary policies, set free to prey on innocent Americans. THIS MUST STOP!" he wrote.

This isn't Trump's first visit to the border. He traveled to Laredo — one of Texas' safest cities — weeks after declaring his candidacy in June 2015.

Trump told reporters then that he was putting himself "in great danger" by coming to the border. But, he said, "I have to do it. I love this country."

___

Associated Press writers Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento, John Antczak and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles, Elliot Spagat in San Diego, Greg Bull in Tijuana, Mexico, and Darlene Superville, Ken Thomas and Nancy Benac in Washington contributed to this report.